I agree -some people will just never get it. They are just muggles as we call them.

For the others, it is a case of educating them but this is a very fine and diplomatic line to walk. It can be so easy to upset staff and schools by suggesting that you have info for them or even providing suggestions.

And there are of course those who will ask, or even smile and thank you, but then do exactly the same thing again next week.

I sat right at the back row (old habits die hard!) on the insider with woolly cardie and flowery top.

I walked around looking for carrot types but there were too many biscuit tables.

I have bought Tony's new book "Exploring Feelings...." but it is clearly for younger children. It cost 19.99 - would anyone be interested in buying it from me for a tenner. DS is 10 and too old for it. I will put in ebay if not.

Couldn't go, I was teaching. I have, however, bought the shorter version of his book on AS for my school, and the schools that DS attended, and in my school I produced condensed, bullet points of info for staff. Plus there are several of us that are the go-to people for staff who are having problems or need ideas, and that also involves our link schools.

My dd 14 is dxd ASD and my ds 5 is under assessment. Everything I hear always applies to my dd and not my ds who doesn't really do meltdowns, is very compliant etc etc. I've never been convinced that it's ASD for him but after listening to Tony yesterday I'm more suspicious.

The 2 extremes he talked about I think my kids are the opposite extremes!

It was great but I sat there thinking: he's saying everything I know to be true and it is great to hear a professional describe all this but how do you get this through to the frontline? To schools?

I have a meeting with school on Monday. DS has a full time TA. We are going to Tribunal for more hours. But I still get moaned to about things like 'he's not paying attention' or ' he was very rude and refused to do what he was asked' or 'how do we sanction him'......

Until schools start sending teachers and TAs to these conferences were doomed in a world of constantly explaining what should be obvious to professionals who really don't understand the condition in anywhere like enough depth.

If they really want to cascade knowledge, they could offer training DVDs etc

Ooh very went to one of his days last year in Lincoln, it was really good. Saw this on a thread before and wanted to go again but can't unfortunately. I am wondering if he will talk about the Cat-kit that he has helped produce? Here They had one you could look at in Lincoln but it was very busy and I didn't get a chance. If he does and you get a look at it can you tell me what you think? I was just discussing it with DD2's paed and am thinking of getting it but it isn't cheap.

I'm going too. Anyone interested in 'meeting up' there? I have no 'RL' friends going and it would be good to meet some of you. Not sure how we fix it... don't want to accost people to see if they are wearing a carrot badge! Can we have some sort of MNSN meeting spot - by the s?!